Elevated Splitboarders Progression Series
-Presented by Sierra Nevada Backcountry Guides-
Splitboard Progression Series
Take your splitboarding to the next level with our two-part educational program designed for riders seeking a structured progression into larger alpine terrain. The curriculum introduces and reinforces core mountaineering skills such as crampon and ice axe use, efficient movement on snow, decision-making, and snow camping, before advancing to rope systems, glacier travel, and crevasse rescue. Each module is tailored specifically to the needs of splitboarders, with an emphasis on building practical competence and sound judgment. By the end of the program, participants will have a well-rounded foundation for safe and effective travel in complex mountain environments and the confidence to pursue more challenging alpine objectives.
***Register For Part 1 & 2 Simultaneously To Receive 20% off Entire Program***
Why a Progression?
Rather than piecing skills together through short clinics or trial-and-error, the progression series ensures that each phase of learning builds on the last. The first part establishes a strong foundation in fundamental skills—crampon and ice axe use, efficient snow travel, decision-making, and overnight systems—while the second part advances into rope travel, glacier navigation, and crevasse rescue. Together, these courses equip splitboarders with a comprehensive skill set, tailored specifically to the demands of traveling and riding on a splitboard. By committing to the full progression, riders gain not only technical proficiency but also the judgment, confidence, and self-sufficiency needed to pursue complex alpine objectives safely and effectively.
Part 1: Five Day Progression Series
Build the foundation. Learn critical splitboard mountaineering skills on Mount Shasta. This immersive program introduces splitboarders to the essential tools and techniques of splitboard mountaineering. Participants will gain comfort using technical equipment, extended snow camping concepts and learn how to move safely & efficiently in alpine environments.
Dates: April 17th - 21st & May 22nd - 28th 2026
Price: $1,350.00
Duration: 5 Days
Focus: Splitboard specific skills, snow/winter camping, basecamp structure, backcountry cooking, mountain travel, split-skiing, rope systems, summits & more!
-
Our 5-Day Splitboard Mountaineering Course is designed for riders who want to take their splitboarding beyond the skin track and into true alpine terrain. This immersive program blends the fundamentals of mountaineering with splitboard-specific techniques, giving you the tools to tackle bigger lines, steeper faces, and more complex objectives.
Over five days, participants progress through crampon and ice axe use, steep snow climbing, efficient transitions, and safe movement in mixed terrain. Instruction also includes avalanche awareness refreshers, uphill strategies, snow camping skills, and the judgment needed to manage group travel in technical alpine environments. With the extended format, students get the chance to apply new skills in real objectives, building confidence step by step.
Unlike ski-focused programs, this course emphasizes the unique challenges and advantages of traveling on a splitboard. From efficiency to managing transitions in steep, exposed zones, we will provide tailored instruction for snowboarders who want to lead their own alpine adventures.
-
Course Goals:
Skills development: Hone in on key splitboarding techniques including steep snow climbing, navigation, and downhill riding. Focus on efficient transitions from a splitboarders mindset.
Winter Basecamp Management: Learn how to build a comfortable, livable, bad ass basecamp just like the movies!
Safety Understanding: Recognize objective hazards, assess snow conditions, and learn techniques for reducing risks as well as group management and decision-making in the mountains.
Navigation Skills: Gain proficiency for planning and navigating in backcountry terrain.
Environmental Knowledge: Understand environmental care and leave-no-trace practices to reduce impact on nature.
Course Outcomes:
Technical Skills: Participants will be able to navigate different terrain with splitboards, including uphill travel and controlled descents.
Safety Skills: Learn how to evaluate risks associated with moving trough dynamic alpine environments.
Trip Planning: Learn how to plan and execute backcountry trips, using navigation tools and assessing weather and snow conditions.
Confidence Boost: Gain confidence exploring backcountry areas, develop necessary skills and knowledge through hands-on practice.
-
Backcountry Splitboard Experience:
Participants should have prior experience with splitboarding, including proficiency with skinning, uphill travel, and transitions.
Ability to ride confidently in variable snow conditions on ungroomed terrain.
Physical Fitness:
A high level of fitness is required to endure sustained physical effort, including multiple days of uphill travel, carrying a heavy pack in challenging terrain.
Participants should be capable of 6–8 hours of continuous activity per day with elevation gains of 3,000–5,000 feet.
Essential Gear and Skills:
Participants should bring appropriate backcountry splitboard equipment, including splitboard, bindings, skins, boots, poles, and avalanche safety gear.
Ability to efficiently manage gear transitions.
Comfort in Cold and Remote Environments:
Willingness to spend consecutive nights in the backcountry potentially in harsh weather conditions, with the bare alpine necessities of life.
Solid Teamwork & Communication Skills:
A collaborative mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to work as part of a group are essential for a successful expedition experience.
-
Included:
Friendly AMGA trained splitboard guides.
Applicable recreation and/or forest service permits.
Group rescue gear, first aid, rescue sled, GPS/Satellite phone.
Waste Disposal Bags in compliance with “Leave No Trace” principles.
4 season tents
Ropes
Stoves
Fuel
Pots & pans
Water storage & treatment
Not Included:
Ski/splitboard touring equipment.
Avalanche equipment, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners.
Food/Snacks/Meals
Transportation
Guide Gratuities
5 Day Split-Camp 1.0 Mount Shasta, CA
Part 2: Seven Day Progression Series
Time to level up your game. Apply skills in glaciated terrain on Mount Baker while learning advanced techniques for expedition style travel and long descents. Building on the foundation of the 5-day course (or equivalent experience), this advanced program focuses on steep snow climbing, advanced rope systems, and higher consequence decision making. The curriculum emphasizes independence, leadership, and rescue preparedness.
Dates: April 17th - 21st & May 22nd - 28th 2026
Price: $2,175.00
Duration: 7 days
Focus: Glacier travel, crevasse rescue, ropes & riding theory, challenging terrain assessment, belayed snowboarding, multi-day expedition planning and much more!
-
Our 7-Day Splitboard Mountaineering Course is the ultimate progression for riders ready to step fully into the world of big-mountain objectives. Designed exclusively for splitboarders, this intensive week-long program blends the full spectrum of mountaineering skills with snowboard-specific techniques, preparing you for glacier travel, rope systems, and steep alpine descents.
Over the course of seven days, participants move through the complete toolkit of modern splitboard mountaineering: advanced crampon and ice axe use, efficient climbing on snow and ice, rope team travel, glacier navigation, and crevasse rescue. Each day builds progressively, balancing technical instruction with real-world application. Along the way, we refine avalanche decision-making, anchor building, steep snow strategies, and high-alpine camp craft—giving students the knowledge and confidence to manage complex terrain in all conditions.
What sets this course apart is its focus on the unique demands of splitboarding in the alpine. From mastering transitions in exposed environments to riding technical lines with security and style, our guides tailor every skill to the realities of snowboard travel. By the end of the week, participants will not only have sharpened their technical abilities but also developed the judgment, leadership, and mountain sense needed to take on ambitious objectives around the world.
-
Course Goals:
Skills development: Hone in on key splitboarding techniques for climbing, navigation, and downhill riding. Focus on efficient transitions from a splitboarders mindset.
Winter Basecamp Management: Learn how to build a comfortable & livable basecamp.
Safety Understanding: Recognize objective hazards, assess snow conditions, and learn techniques for reducing risks as well as group management and decision-making in the mountains.
Navigation Skills: Gain proficiency in using maps and GPS for planning and navigating in backcountry terrain on glaciers.
Environmental Knowledge: Understand environmental care and leave-no-trace practices to reduce impact on nature.
Course Outcomes:
Technical Skills: Participants will be able to navigate different terrain with splitboards, rope systems, crevasse rescue, rappelling, etc.
Safety Skills: Learn how to evaluate risks associated with moving trough glaciated terrain on a splitboard.
Trip Planning: Learn how to plan and execute backcountry trips, using navigation tools and assessing weather and snow conditions.
Confidence Boost: Gain confidence exploring backcountry areas, develop necessary skills and knowledge through hands-on practice.
-
Backcountry Splitboard Experience:
Participants should have prior experience with splitboarding, including proficiency with skinning, uphill travel, and transitions.
Ability to ride confidently in variable snow conditions on un-groomed, steep terrain.
Physical Fitness:
A high level of fitness is required to endure sustained physical effort, including multiple days of uphill travel, carrying a heavy pack in challenging terrain.
Participants should be capable of 6–8 hours of continuous activity per day with elevation gains of 4,000–6,000 feet.
Essential Gear and Skills:
Participants should bring appropriate backcountry splitboard equipment, including splitboard, bindings, skins, boots, poles, and avalanche safety gear.
Ability to efficiently manage gear transitions.
Comfort in Cold and Remote Environments:
Willingness to spend consecutive nights in the backcountry potentially in harsh weather conditions, with the bare alpine necessities of life.
Solid Teamwork & Communication Skills:
A collaborative mindset, adaptability, and a willingness to work as part of a group are essential for a successful expedition experience.
-
Included:
Friendly AMGA trained splitboard guides.
Applicable recreation and/or forest service permits.
Group rescue gear, first aid, rescue sled, GPS/Satellite phone.
Waste Disposal Bags in compliance with “Leave No Trace” principles.
4 season tents
Ropes
Stoves
Fuel
Pots & pans
Water storage & treatment
Not Included:
Ski/splitboard touring equipment.
Avalanche equipment, ice axe, crampons, harness, carabiners.
Food/Snacks/Meals
Transportation
Guide Gratuities
5 Day Curriculum
Day 1 – Approach & Foundations
Welcome & introductions
Full gear check
Ski tour up to base camp
Instruction on efficient uphill skinning with overnight packs
Establish snow camp (tent platforms, kitchen, waste management)
Short ski tour from camp for terrain familiarization
Day 2 – Movement Efficiency
Full snow school, crampon & ice axe technique
Tour & ride on mid to upper mountain
Introduction to snow anchors
Debrief the day & Plan for next day
Day 3 – Line Choice & Application
Early wake up and ride
Applied snow climbing
Transition practice
Descents focusing on terrain creativity
Group debrief & discussion on line choice and the days decision-making
Practice knots & hitches in camp
Day 4 – Rope Work & Glacier Travel Basics
Quick review of knots, hitches & rope coiling.
Rope team travel, intro crevasse rescue & snow anchors for rescue.
Snowboard back to camp
Debrief the day
Day 5 – Student-Led Objective
Early Alpine Start
Student led objective
Execute an ascent and descent with minimal instructor input
A celebration descent linking turns back to camp
Debrief, individual feedback, and progression pathways
Back to the TH
Plan to be back at the Trailhead no later than 5:00pm
7 Day Split-Camp 2.0 Mount Baker, WA
7 Day Curriculum
Day 1 – Expedition Launch
Welcome & Introductions.
Gear check: advanced mountaineering kit, rescue gear, splitboard systems.
Ascent to base camp on Mount Baker.
Camp setup: Bad ass basecamp, snow walls, kitchen & dining area, tent platforms etc.
Evening: review of course goals and progression plan.
Day 2 – Advanced Snow Climbing & Rope Systems
Refresher: crampon/ice axe techniques & steep snow efficiency.
Review of rope team travel: spacing, hazard scanning, rope signals.
Knots & hitches specific to ski belays and rescue
Advanced snow climbing progressions: front-pointing on 45–55° slopes, running belays.
Day 3 – Belays & Steep Snow Travel
Ski belay construction: buried ski anchors, mid-slope security, improvising with splitboards.
Belayed snow climbs and steep bootpacks.
Application to terrain transitions: bootpacks > ridges > splitboard descents.
Evening discussion for next days objective.
Day 4 - Student Led Snowboard Descent
Today is a full day of moving around Mount Baker aiming to apply the skills we’ve learned.
Todays big goal: Have Fun! Go splitboarding & ride a lot!
Day 5 – Crevasse Rescue Progression 1.0
Building snow anchors under load.
Haul systems. (Z-Pully & Drop Loop)
Student practice in pairs and rope teams.
Full day of scenarios & repetition.
Emergency shelter construction back in camp.
Day 6 – Rescue Sled & Crevasse Rescue Progression 2.0
Advanced rescue systems: Problem solving, rope management & tandem falls.
Rescue sled techniques: improvised rescue sleds & purpose built rescue sleds.
Sled lowering & Hauling
Create tour plan back in camp for our 2nd student led splitboard objective.
Day 7 – Capstone Objective & Debrief
Full integration: student-planned ascent and descent with minimal instructor input.
Emphasis on advanced snow climbing, ski belays, glacier travel, and rope systems.
Celebration descent back to trailhead.
Debrief: skill progression review, individual feedback, pathway to future expeditions.
Plan to be back at the Trailhead no later than 5:00pm
